Why EMDR doesn’t work for complex PTSD and what actually does

#emdrdoesntwork #treatmentsthatwork #sophilialarkwoodbury
WHY EMDR DOESN’T WORK FOR COMPLEX PTSD AND WHAT ACTUALLY DOES// Have you ever wondered why therapy has never worked for you? Complex ptsd is considered a more severe form of traditional PTSD, in which a person has more than likely suffered prolonged exposure to trauma within the context of an interpersonal relationship. Events like child abuse, sexual abuse, prolonged service in combat, domestic violence, and refugee persecution are considered complex traumatic events, and many people may develop complex PTSD symptoms due to such exposure. This video discusses why a standalone trauma-focused treatment like EMDR doesn’t work and what treatment actually does.

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[SophiliaLarkPhD]

There has been some debate among clients and clinicians alike as to the efficacy of EMDR when it comes to complex PTSD. Sound off below to let me know what your personal experience has been with EMDR.

[BigIndianBindi-jycz]

I'm unbothered by trauma memories. I remember my trauma very well. I could write a book about it. So many heinous things that happened to me. However, thinking about it, remembering it, talking about it... it doesn't bother me. I like talking about it.

My problem is my nervous system and body reacting the way it does. Like if I spill food or drink on the floor, I'll feel scared and think I'm gonna get in trouble. Even though my rational thinking says "No, I'm an adult, and no one is even here." my body still reacts badly.

[FireSilver]

I’ve suffered from CPTSD for much of my life and EMDR has helped me alot. But I also use Emotion Code, acupuncture, EFT, self hypnosis, talk therapy, self help books, n somatic yoga.
EMDR has helped me have many breakthroughs when I make progress in my life. Especially the few YT vids up.
This is still helpful though! Thanks❤

[Detritis]

I have been healed by EMDR with cPTSD and feel very fortunatE BUT this was so insightful! I definitely went through years of therapy before, which I think was imperative for EMDR to work for me. We have to teach people skills and give them the tools needed before EMDR, it's very intense.

[CassieWinter]

My therapist combines EMDR with somatic experiencing and internal family systems therapy and other modalities, and I know I'm healing because she has all of those tools in her pocket and isn't depending on just one. Great video. Thanks for talking about the nuances of this complex topic.

[micheleinmiami]

Thank you! This is a great video! My heart dropped when I saw the title because I believe in EMDR so much and seeing the title was like whoa! But after watching it, I know for sure that the way I was trained in EMDR is the best. I was trained by Rebecca Kase and she addresses all of the shortcomings you mentioned and includes them in her trainings. Dissociation for example, this is a big chunk in her training, so is dealing with the future. Maybe if the title was "EMDR can help complex PTSD if...." 😋. Thanks so much, Sophilia! I have now subscribed!

[lynnlorien]

As someone who has significant CPTSD, I do have to say how important psychoeducation and stabilizing the system is. However, I have found that EMDR has been the most effective treatment yet. Again, this is my experience. I tried to cognitively restructure negative beliefs but it wasn’t effective until we addressed the negative belief attached to memories themselves. Cognitive therapy is great but if your body doesn’t believe it, it doesn’t hit. That was my issue for 20 years. Of course, I’m sure that all EMDR therapists are different and I am so grateful to have found an amazing one on BetterHelp. My issue with CPTSD is that I have the same negative core belief tied to so many memories so we have worked on tracks. Thank you for this and information. As an abuse and intimate partner betrayal trauma survivor, EMDR has been life changing so thank you for bringing awareness to it.

[goodintentions]

What you've said makes more sense than all the others I've heard. All the time & money I spent on EMDR was for nothing. I'm 74 & have given up on ever truly recovering from years of childhood sa & put downs from a mother who only wanted redheads. I've had a life full of experiences & I've been good to plenty of people who weren't even decent to me. I'd rather be me than be them.

[frontporchfamilyservices]

I wanted to tell you about my experience today watching your video. I cried tears of joy through the whole video. You are a godsend and a blessing to me today. You are a wise women and your voice is sooo soothing. Thank you x 100!!! -Melissa

[emmelinesprig]

I am researching therapy types because I desperately need therapy but I’m afraid of going to a therapist who doesn’t know how to help me and might end up hurting me more. I think I may have CPTSD, and possibly other co-morbid conditions (of course I’m not self-diagnosing, just looking for possible answers to help me cope and heal). I learned about EDMR, but I felt completely overwhelmed by the idea of processing my many traumatic experiences like that. Your explanation makes so much sense and validates my concerns. Thank you for outlining a more appropriate series of treatments. This has helped me so much!!

[acertree]

This was really helpful as my psychotherapist said that he didn't think EMDR would help my cptsd but he didn't explain exactly why.
Thanks for the clarification ☺️

[rebeccahayhurst]

Thank you. This video is so helpful. I have CPTSD and healing from an abusive marriage. My therapist did create and safe internal space for me and explained a lot of how trauma has impacted me but the EMDR sessions were si painful I could barley handle them emotionally. She seemed confused or possibly I was overreacting. It’s painful when your therapist doesn’t fully understand your condition. We finally modified the EMDR so that it wasn’t so triggering and that helped. What you said about dealing with the disassociation and the negative beliefs is very helpful. For me talking about my journey and hearing her input to help me sort through my internal pain is very healing and empowering for me. She is wanting to go back to EMDR which has helped with some symptoms but I keep feeling like we are missing some pieces.

[ordinarypigeon]

6 years of therapy and I’ve accidentally opened Pandora’s box. Hyper focused on it for, so I’m very thankful for the video.

[happygucci]

I really like that you outlined and detailed what the different phases are asking of you ( the client) and showing where and why there may be roadblocks. You disseminated a lot of information in aanner that was easy to grasp.

Thank you- new sub ! 😊

[artemisian]

Thank you so much, Sophilia. This is very clear and makes very good sense from so many perspectives.

I actually did about 14 years of intensive self-healing (and somewhat guided healing) before needing to use EMDR. Honestly, it was 14 years before I could afford/access any therapy at all, and I could have tried this as soon as I realized I needed something like it, but as you are pointing out, that may have been too early.

As a result, I came into the reprocessing with a very strong love for myself, strong grounding in the generative, nurturing parent of myself and find I am able to move relatively quickly through some extremely difficult terrain. I may actually never fully "recover, " but I am at deep peace with that....because I did so much wholing and healing work prior to discovering just how awful things had been. It actually could have been a major setback and profoundly disruptive or retrograde to go into this territory prior to doing a lot of wholeness weaving. It is very hard for fragments to integrate fragments, if that makes sense in the way you view psychology.

Thank you again for this video, I do hope it reaches everyone who could benefit from it.

[cassiopee]

My dear Lord! You're an angel sent from above! I've been doing therapy for more than 15 years and still don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, but now I have new hope!

I haven't been diagnosed with Complex PTSD, but I started to look at myself differently recently and wondered if I could suffer from PTSD and that's how I found Complex PTSD and think I just put my finger on the right spot!

I changed a few times my therapist as I felt there was not much progression being made and lately my actual psychologist told me she didn't know what to do with me anymore (she's doing mostly EMDR and hypnosis) as EMDR doesn't change a thing in me. Although she said she would try her best to find a solution, I thought that nothing could be done for me and that I could never get my happy self again. And I think this video answers everything's that's been wrong in my treatment. I recognize myself so much in what you're saying and Complex PTSD, it is quite impressive. I will try to have a chat about that with my therapist and I hope she will be open to it. *fingers crossed*

Thank you so much again!

[jacquesesouthern]

I would like to add that EMDR is not for everyone. If you are properly trained, I would hope clinicians would know that phases 1 and 2 of EMDR is exactly what she is talking about. Stabilization of the client is a must. It can take a few session to a few years. And again, EMDR is not for everyone. Do your research, I have had clients that had horrible clinicians, I honestly feel like some therapist watched an EMDR video and stated that they were properly trained.

[lauraf]

Was diagnosed with CPTSD and ASD 2 years ago. Long history of depression and anxiety. NEVER dissociate (I wish! I remember everything!) Was bullied from early childhood until high school. I am 60, in the US. Have been in CBT on and off for 35 years. History of psychoemotional child abuse/neglect at the hands of a mother with BPD/narcissism. Went NC with her when I was 50 (figured half a century was enough already). Had major depression and suicidal ideation by age 8. Have had episodes over the years, always caused by external factors/people. I have had autoimmune disorders since infancy that were not even acknolwedged til I was in my 30s. My spouse is a recovering addict, 20+ years clean, but refuses to engage in talking therapy to address underlying issues. My adopted child suffers from executive dysfunction, anxiety, depression. I've spent my whole life mired in mental illness. 14 months ago I began EMDR therapy with a certified therapist, but online video only (she won't see me in person even though she's nearby). Initially it worked a bit, as exhausting as it was. She wanted to do parts work, which I have done in the past, so I agreed. For the last 5-6 months I have plateaued - no improvement. My spouse and child are not abusive but extraordinarily thoughtless and inconsiderate, so I'm constantly triggered and stressed. My autoimmune disease continues to worsen too. I think I've gone as far as I can with EMDR and plan to quit next week. Why spend all this time and money revisiting what are HUNDREDS of traumatic events. My life is getting shorter by the day and the EMDR just isn't working. I think 14 months is a fair amount of time.... time to move on.

[decklanquow]

The title is misleading but I understand and totally agree with you. EMDR by itself would be ineffective if the proper foundation isn't laid. Especially where self awareness is concerned.

[froufroudeluxe]

I’m an autistic trauma survivor and only recognized my mental anguish as a result of complex trauma since yesterday. In this 1 day I learned more about myself than years of therapy did. Thanks